Osseo Teacher Wins National Award for Declaration of Independence Lesson

Walk into Megan Thompson’s AP government class at Osseo High School and you will hear students passionately debating Supreme Court cases.

It is exactly that kind of civic energy Thompson hoped to spark when teaching about the Declaration of Independence.

“I think so often we think it’s been 250 years, that what these men from so long ago were thinking about doesn’t apply anymore,” Thompson said. “I wanted to challenge students to really reflect on those ideals and make connections to today.”

An Award-winning Idea

Thompson submitted a proposal on how to bring the document to life as part of the Teaching America250 Award, a national competition.

A $5,000 prize was at stake with one winner chosen from each state.

While other teachers proposed big field trips or guest speakers, Thompson wanted her students to create personal, reflective essays.

“The essay contest we created was asking students to find an ideal from the Declaration of Independence, explain why it’s important to the founders, and then most importantly explain how it’s important to their own lives,” said Thompson.

Osseo Senior High School teacher Megan Thompson is interviewed by reporter Sarah Alain.

Sharing the Wealth

Her idea won her the top spot in Minnesota and she used the prize money to give back to her students.

“We had four grand prize winners, each won one thousand dollars, and then we had two honorable mentions that each won one hundred dollars a piece,” said Thompson.

Osseo junior Aaron Evans-Thomas was one of those top winners.

He wrote about a core principle in the Declaration of Independence, the pursuit of happiness.

“I pursue academic excellence, I pursue art, and I know my ancestors weren’t able to do those things in America, so it really inspired me to do it myself and really make my ancestors proud in that way,” said Evans-Thomas.

Osseo junior Aaron Evans-Thomas presents his essay on the Declaration of Independence.

A Civics Lesson That Sticks

Through this learning about the past, Evans-Thomas offers some advice for students today.

“Knowing our past and where we came from really influences Individuals and where we are going and how we can further change the world,” said Evans-Thomas.

Twenty-five students participated in the essay competition.

Evans-Thomas plans to use his $1,000 winnings on electronics or technology for when he goes to college at the University of San Francisco.

Osseo Senior High School

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